Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy herb sauce with perfectly cooked basmati rice. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, this dish offers a rich, savory flavor that’s both simple and elegant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Herb Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Basmati Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the diced onion. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Basmati Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to slightly toast the rice. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth along with salt and black pepper; stir to combine.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Simmer & Cook Everything Together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, ensuring it is partially submerged in the sauce and rice. Pour the additional ½ cup chicken broth to maintain enough liquid. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- For added nutrition, stir in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during step 3 or 4.
- You can swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or tofu as alternative protein options.
- To add heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while making the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to retain creaminess.
- For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
- Using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth enhances the flavor richness.
- To prevent rice from sticking or getting mushy, rinse rice well before cooking and avoid over-stirring while simmering.
- This recipe can be adapted for the Instant Pot by sautéing chicken first, then pressure cooking all ingredients for 8 minutes on high.
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, basmati rice dishes, one-pan meals, herb chicken, easy dinner recipes, creamy herb sauce, skillet chicken and rice
